Empty parks with no open sites.

ferndaleflyer wrote:
I don't do state parks and such but in the past I have rented out about everything to others and have rented about as much for my own use. And if this in fact goes on its just asking for trouble unless it is made very plain in the contract that you can keep my money or lease my spot to someone else just because I am not there. You have to reserve and pay a year in advance and then show up late to find someone else has your spot? Get real. They keep a weeks worth of money for a year and don't have a spot for you? It would take a fool to fall for that trap. Now if it is made plain in the contract that this goes on after you have to pay a year out, I wouldn't go near the place...I don't think I have ever been sent a contract when reserving a camp site. So much for reading the FINE print. Does this really go on?

There are plenty of boxes to check that state you agree and understand the cancellation policies no fine print to read. If you haven't seen a contract you certainly have not stayed at a state park recently.
It is common practice with boxes to check to ensure you understand the policies. If you fail to check the box your reservation will cease at that point and it will not be processed.
Lots of us fools fall for that trap because we understand that the idea is to actually use the camp site vs. leaving it vacant because you can afford to.
If this policy, keeps no show types away and eliminates careless vacancies than it is working as designed and is a very worthwhile policy.